The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ibadan

  • Fire razes over 300 shops in Ibadan plank market

    Fire razes over 300 shops in Ibadan plank market

    It was weeping and wailing Monday as over 300 shops, and other items worth millions of naira were again razed at Sango plank market in Ibadan in an early morning inferno.

    Also, no fewer than 50 sawing machines, three vehicles comprising of a truck and two cars were burnt into ashes in the inferno.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi has declared that Oyo state government will raise a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire incidents that razed the plank market twice in three days as tension is mounting in the plank market over an insinuation that some people might have allegedly intentionally set the place ablaze to revenge the last Friday fire disaster which razed over 200 plank shops within the market.

    Unlike the last Friday fire disaster which affected mostly plank sellers shops, the Monday inferno completely burnt down the sawing machines section of the market with no fewer than 100 machines of various kinds burnt.

    Sources at the market said the fire was first noticed at about 12am on Monday during which some people were allegedly sighted moving round the burnt areas suspiciously after which the fire spread to other parts of the sawing machines section.

    It was gathered that all efforts by the traders and others who were alerted of the fire incident through the Alaro Central mosque public address system to put the raging fire off failed.

    Sources at the market said all efforts by the traders and the police team at getting across to the men of the Oyo state Fire brigade service failed as the plank sellers waited for hours watching helplessly the fire destroying their belongings with no single fire fighting vehicle coming towards their direction.

    When visited Monday, the traders were seen weeping and wailing with others parking the ashes of the belongings including the burnt sawing machines of different types as well as the burnt vehicles.

    It was observed that the incident has finally grounded commercial and others activities within the market over tension on the safety of the remaining part of the plank market from possible inferno in the next few days

    Governor Ajimobi who was represented by the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka; the Head of Service, Mr. Soji Eniade; a former Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ismail Olalekan-Alli; a former Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr. Gbade Ojo; and a former Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Segun Abolarinwa during the
    visit expressed worries that the market could record two fire incidences within three days.

    Addressing newsmen through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka said, “We are here to examine the extent of damage and to know the causes of the fire incident. Both the one that happened on Friday and the other that occurred in the early hours of Monday.

    The governor declared that amidst allegation of some conspiracy in the fire incident that gutted the market, the government shall thoroughly investigate the immediate and remote causes of the incidents to ensure that whoever is responsible is brought to justice.

    “We will not tolerate this kind of situation; arson is not what we must allow in any community within the state. This government holds preservation of lives and property very dearly.
    This is a state where everybody has the right to live and trade within the limit of the Constitution,” he said.

    While appealing for calm among the traders and members of the affected community, the governor said security operatives had been put on red alert to guide the market in order to prevent further losses.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the market association, Mr. Oladipo Faseyitan, while narrating the fire incident, said while the first fire incident was caused by a gas explosion from a nearby building, the second one could have been caused by a group of people who claimed to be the land owners.

    He explained that his members had for some time been having running battles with the land owners who had told them to either vacate the community or face dire consequence.

    Also, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Sango Police Station, Mrs. Joyce Maiyaki, said the police had been providing adequate security in the area just as she commended the state fire service for its prompt response in putting out the fire.

  • Filmhouse Cinema reopens in Ibadan

    Filmhouse Cinema reopens in Ibadan

    After the fire outbreak that destroyed the Filmhouse Cinemas Dugbe, Ibadan early this year, Filmhouse Limited has re-open its doors to the citizens of Ibadan as it launches a new face lift to its cinemas located at the Heritage Mall, Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan.

    According to its management, the rehabilitated cinema is equipped with four digital screens and latest modern cinema sound and projection technology as well as luxury stadium seating.

    The cinema opened its doors last Friday, showing free movies to all. It also hosted the premiere of the movie, Out Of Luck as part of the activities lined up to celebrate its re-opening.

    Addressing journalist, the Chief Executive Officer of Filmhouse Cinema, Kene Mkparu, stated; “Seeing how Ibadan citizens are so excited to have their cinema back makes me give thanks to God for making this possible. In addition, this cinema will also contribute to the all-important distribution outlets that Nollywood film producers need to realise more revenue from their films.”

    The Group Managing Director of Odua Investment Limited, Mr Adewale Raji also said that his outfit is beyond delighted about the opening. “We pray that this would reiterate the excellence in Mall shopping experience in Ibadan and beyond as we continue to thrive to bring Oyo State more of such experiences. We appreciate the Heritage Mall occupants and promise to continue to provide services that enhance their businesses,” he said.

    Filmhouse now has cinemas in Dugbe Ibadan, Samonda Ibadan, Surulere Lagos, Apapa Lagos, Ikoyi Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Akure. Other Filmhouse Cinemas opening soon would be in Asaba, Lagos, Calabar, Benin and Enugu.

  • DPR seals off 50 petrol stations in Ibadan

    DPR seals off 50 petrol stations in Ibadan

    The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Oyo and Osun field office has sealed off more than 50 petrol stations in Ibadan and environs for hoarding and selling the product above government approved price.

    It has also embarked on aggressive disposal of the product at filling stations that are creating artificial scarcity in different parts of the state.

    Notably, a filling station allegedly belonging to a former senator from Oke Ogun part of the state was among those sealed off by the DPR.

    Another belonging to a former governor from Ogbomosho, which was sealed off few weeks back was also one of those compelled to reverse its sales to government approved price during the inspection

    Meanwhile, it was a bad day for many marketers as no fewer than 50 filing stations who were found to be hoarding petroleum and kerosene, and noted to be planning to sell at odd times at exorbitant prices were also sealed off in different parts of the state

    Many petroleum marketers across the state have been cashing in on the masses by selling the product at prices far above the government regulated prices while only few major marketers selling at the official prices experienced massive crowd with many people spending more than ten hours on queue to get the product.

    Investigation revealed that, the product in the last few days in major parts of the state sold between N120 and N150 per litre.

    Same could be said of kerosene which now sells between N95 and N100 per litre.

    Some of the filling stations where the enforcement took place in Ogbomosho are: TDB global venture limited, allegedly belonging to a former governor of the state, Modern Options, Isale General, Ballah Plus, Sabo, Rubbie oil, Stadium road, Musalat Intergrated Resources Nigeria limited and Saajad Resourses Nigeria limited.

    The few marketers selling at government approved prices during the inspection were also supported in ensuring orderliness and promptness in the sales by officials of the department who were stationed by the team lead.

    Conoil and Oando both around Eleyele were some of the places the intervention of the officials of the DPR helped save the day when the massive crowd made selling of the products difficult for the sales attendants.

    Some of those sealed off Thursday in Ibadan also include: Prolek Molete for selling at N130 per litre and not willing to reverse sales, Alleluyah Oil, Idi-Arere, allegedly owned by a former senator in the state, for selling at  N140 per litre and Oando, Oritamefa for hoarding the product.

    Engineer Olakunle Ogunlana, Operations Controller, Oyo and Osun Field office who spoke through Mr. Sadiq Ibrahim, deputy manager (operations) said the effort is to cushion the pain fraudulent marketers’ subjected members of the public to for pecuniary gains.

    Ogunlana said: “it is unfair how some few people unduly take advantage of millions of other people just to make selfish gains. This scarcity is making things difficult for members of the public despite government intervention.

    “We will not rest until we ensure that they (independent marketers) do what is right in the interest of Nigerians. We will not allow them rubbish government efforts.”

    He however called on the marketers to show patriotism in discharging and running their business interest as government is doing enough to make the product available across the country.

  • Fuel scarcity spreads in Ibadan

    Fuel scarcity spreads in Ibadan

    •Four litres sells for N700-N900

    Scarcity of petroleum products in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has persisted with most filling stations locked.

    Motorists and other automobile users were seen searching for the product in some of the filing stations.

    At few filling stations where the product was available, there was commotion, resulting from long queues.

    The scarcity, which enters its third week, has led to sharp increase in the prices of commodities and transport fares by over 80 per cent.

    Some people have also used the opportunity to maximise profit in the black market, where a four litre gallon of fuel now sells for between N700 and N900.

    When approached for comments, they declined and fled on learning the mission of this reporter.

    Major and independent petrol dealers complained of their inability to source for the product from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Depot Apata, Ibadan.

    One of the dealers, who pleaded for anonymity, said the problem was as a result of government decision to prune the number of licensed importers.

    According to him, majority of fuel consumed in this country is imported and it is wrong to limit the marketers.

    Another independent marketer, Alhaji Yusuf Akiolu, blamed the Federal Government for its insincerity and lack of commitment to the deregulation of the oil sector.

    “Government has two options. Either repair the old refineries or allow marketers to import. This is what I think will end the current suffering in the land,” he said.

     

  • Ibadan stands still for HID Awolowo

    Ibadan stands still for HID Awolowo

    •Ajimobi, Ambode, Aregbesola pay tribute

    Thousands of residents in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, trooped out yesterday to honour the late matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo.

    As early as 7:30am, major roads leading to Oke Bola, Oke Ado and Agbeni were shut. Commuters were stranded due to unavailability of commercial vehicles.

    At 8:30am, the convoy from Ogun State arrived at the Ibadan Toll Gate, where the body was received by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    The body arrived at the Awolowo residence in Oke-Bola at 9.15am before it was moved to the Methodist Cathedral Church, Agbeni for a commendation service.

    The service was coordinated by the Bishop of Ibadan, the Most Rev. Kehinde Stephen.

    Rev Stephen recalled that the last time he had an encounter with Mrs. Awolowo was in February when Nigerian Tribune was launching a new printing machine.

    “When she saw me she said His Grace it’s nice to see you again. Why have you abandoned me and do not visit me again? She asked after my children.

    “She had a sound retentive memory and she was a fast reader. She was a caring mother who not only nurtured her children to excellence but cared about the welfare of the other people’s children,” he said.

    The cleric said the Methodist Church will always respect the Awolowo dynasty for its love for education.

    “The Awolowo family promoted quality education and is passionate about the welfare of the masses. Today, the education sector has been neglected by successive governments.

    “If we make education a priority, it will save the masses and safeguard the future of our children.”

    He appealed to the Awolowo family to sustain the Nigerian Tribune and open a special trust to sustain the newspaper.

    Ajimobi said the Yoruba and Nigerians are proud of the late matriarch’s legacies.

    “Ibadan is the home of Awolowos and the giants stride recorded by the late sage can be traced to Ibadan. Mama’s diligence and outstanding performance can be seen in the way she administered the Nigerian Tribune. She is remembered for her kind heartedness and her service to humanity.

    “Mama was a detribalised Nigerian. Mama had strong discipline, principle and doggedness. She gave many people sound education and we are also making education one of our main priorities. Mama was an epitome of the Yoruba and motherhood,” he said.

    The governor urged the family to emulate the matriarch’s exemplary lifestyle.

    After the commendation service, the body was moved to the premises of African Newspapers of Nigeria Ltd, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune.

    In his tribute, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola said politicians should learn from the glorious exit and honour received by the late Mrs Awolowo.

    “She represented the best in coordinating and supporting for the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awowolo. Any woman who stood with Baba Awolowo should be honoured,” Aregbesola said.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode said Nigerians are remembering mama today because she was the spirit behind the vision of the late sage.

    He said:” We must continue with that spirit. We should not allow the Awolowo legacy to die because we are yet to achieve the vision of the late sage and we need all the support of womanhood to achieve it.”

    The first female judge in Nigeria, Mrs Folake Solanke (SAN), said Mama’s death has been a great experience.

    She said: “She was an exemplary wife. She reached an age worthy of celebration and her legacies will continue to live after her.”

    The wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, said:” Mama lived a great life and all women should emulate her virtues. We should be able to stand the test of time.”

    The first grandson, Segun Awolowo Jr, said what he would missed about his grandmother was her dependability, stability and ability to hold the family together.

    In his vote of thanks, the Managing Director of Nigerian Tribune, Edward Dickson, promised that the firm would continue to sustain the Awolowo legacy and the newspaper.

     

  • MUSON debuts in Ibadan

    Ibadan Musical Society of Nigeria, IMUSON, a premium training and performing arts company has been birthed.

    The IMUSON run by a five-man governing board. Afolabi Oke is the chairman,vice chairman,Mouzayian Khalil-Babatunde, Oladapo Omideyi,Chief Executive Officer,Olajide Babatunde,Chief Strategy Officer and Femi Oyekola,Legal Adverser/ Secretary is  set to be Nigeria’s preferred base and standard bearer for quality performance and training built on a multiracial, multiethnic community support.

    According to the team, there will be an inaugural performance on the 2 December in Ibadan at the cultural centre that will feature Gbenga Adeyinka and Suga band and a 150- man children mass choir and a 100-man dance performance.

    IMUSON, in a press statement is a non-government and not-for-profit performing arts organisation established to be a lead player in Nigeria’s art, culture and entertainment sector and managed by a crack team of knowledgeable, innovative and ambitious professionals with a burning passion for making bold statement through the arts.

    It appears that the quality of live arts, particularly the performing art has fallen drastically in Nigeria; touring companies are hard to come by, Broadway and Westend standard productions are almost nonexistent while a larger percentage of operating theatre companies rely on a very evasive and inconsistent support base.

    Majority of Nigeria arts organisations struggle just to stay afloat mostly out of inability to make bold art and build a strong support base, lack of innovation, poor strategic planning and limited arts management knowledge.

  • Firm launches Big Cola in Ibadan

    A JEAST Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of AJE Group worldwide, has drawn closer to its consumers in Ibadan, Oyo State and environs as it launches its Big Cola in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

    The firm is third largest producer of carbonated soft drinks in the world, it recently launched its product in Lagos and has further demonstrated its resolve in bringing great quality products to satisfy the yearnings of consumers by launching Big Cola, its flagship brand, in the Nigeria’s oldest city.

    The Country Manager, AJEAST Nigeria, Theo Williams explained that the products, which comes in Cola, Orange and Lemon, are carefully made utilising state-of-the arts production lines, that ensure and guarantee the highest hygienic and quality standards obtainable. According to him, the soft drinks will be sold in pet bottles of 650ml and other pack sizes. “

    “This is truly remarkable as no other player in Nigeria has given consumers great tasting, superb quality and a more value for money drink as Big Cola. The ‘Think Big’ brand will have a recommended retail price of N90.00 per 650ml bottle, and give consumers more value for less,” he said.

    Williams added that a communication campaign targeted pan-Nigeria has been developed to support the launch of the drinks. This includes radio commercials, outdoor billboards, in-store promotions and major events, to mention among others.

    He added that: “An aggressive ‘Think Big’ sampling promotional campaign will be conducted to avail our discerning consumers a firsthand experience of the uniquely rich taste of Big brand flavours.

    The ‘Think Big’ promotional campaign will be at a retail point near you, so gear up to experience the ‘Think Big’ brand.” The 10th largest producer of soft drink by volume, worldwide, which started 27 years in a garage, is now a truly multi-national business with operations spanning Latin America, Asia and Africa.

    This has in ripple effect, provided job opportunities for thousands of people as well as putting a smiles on the consumers’ faces.

    Big Cola is carefully made utilising state-of-the arts production lines that ensure and guarantee the highest hygienic and quality standards obtainable.

    This can only be described as a welcome delight to the taste buds of the consumers. It will be sold in trade (PET bottles only) in 650ml and  pack sizes. Indeed, this is truly remarkable as no other player in Nigeria has given consumers great tasting, superb quality and a more value for money drink as BIG COLA.

    The ‘Think Big’ brand will have a recommended retail price of N90.00 per 650ml bottle. This truly, is giving the consumers ‘More value for Less’. BIG truly is, democratizing soft drinks consumption in our great country Nigeria, where everyone can afford to enjoy a BIG COLA because it is affordable.

    “Our discerning consumers strive for quality tasting drinks that they can be proud of with More value for Less money spent, which represents who they are and where they are going. BIG which is a proud partner of the English FA cup and the Spanish giants, Barcelona FC, is made from our unique signature making process that has over the years, won the hearts of many,” Williams added.

  • Why Prince Ogunwusi deserves Ooni of Ife title

    Why Prince Ogunwusi deserves Ooni of Ife title


    It may interest you to know that the new Ooni of Ife, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is one of the few young Nigerians who are doing exploit with their youth age. Young Ogunwusi, 40, has many achievements to his honour including the following: Prince Ogunwusi of the Giesi Ruling House, attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accountancy. He was responsible for the establishment of the Association for International Business (AIB) in Nigeria. The new Ooni of Ife has employed over 300 youth at the Inagbe Cocowood Factory and has over 450 direct employees in his various companies. Prince Adeyeye is the founder of Essential Homes, a real estate project that delivers affordable upscale homes to the middle and low income earners. Prince Ogunwusi has been involved in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) in Nigeria, and internationally for over 12 years. He is directly involved in the development of over 2,500 housing units in Nigeria, over the last 8 years. The new Ooni led the Government delegation team to Canada in 2002 for strategic alliances and partnership with Ondo State Government on solid mineral potentials of the state. This would lead to the formation of Amalgamated Mining and Exploration Company Limited, owned by the state government. Prince Ogunwusi has carried out real estate developments for several monarchs, which include: HRM, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Kusenla III, Elegushi of Ikate Land, HRM, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, HRM, Oba Oyekan, Onilado, of Ilado Inagbe Island, Lagos, HRM, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, The Oranmiyan Osile Oke Ona of Egba Land, Abeokuta, HRM, Oba Oloruntoyin Saliu, the Oloworo of Oworonsoki, Lagos, HRM Oba Akinloye, Ojomu of Ajiran Land, Lekki, HRM, The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi. The newly appointed monarch facilitated the biggest Lead and Aluminum recycling plant set up in Nigeria by National Steel Company of India in Ota, Ogun State. He is a member of several professional bodies, which include; Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), an Associate Accounting Technician and a certified member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria as well as Global Real Estate Institute (GRI). Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was born to Prince Ropo and Late Mrs Margaret Wuraola Ogunwusi (Ile Opa family compound, Ile Ife). His father was a radio and television anchor. Prince Ogunwusi is on the Board of; Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank Limited, (formerly GTHomes), GTBank Plcand FinaTrust Microfinance Bank Limited. [news_box style="2" display="tag" link_target="_blank" tag="Ooni of Ife" count="4" show_more="on" show_more_type="link"]

  • Driver killed in Ibadan NURTW fracas

    Driver killed in Ibadan NURTW fracas

    •15 injured

    A middle-aged commercial bus driver has been hacked to death in a riot between tipper drivers and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State.

    It was gathered that the NURTW members were protesting the death of one of their colleagues.

    The riot started on Sunday night at a party in Omi Adio motor park and continued till Monday night.

    Over 10 vehicles travelling on the Ibadan-Abeokuta Expressway were damaged.

    Sources said the riot was the aftermath of an accident involving a truck in which three persons, including a bus driver and a baby, died two weeks ago.

    It was gathered that the truck driver was sighted at the Sunday party and was challenged by some NURTW members.

    In the ensuing fight, one of  the bus drivers was killed.

    Some youths and thugs  joined in the fracas, wielding weapons, such as iron rods, cutlasses, clubs and knives.

    Men of the state security outfit Operation Burst and a team of anti-riot policemen from Iyaganku Police Station were drafted to the scene of the violence.

    Women from the popular Omi Market ran away.

    The Balogun of Omi, Chief Mukaila Adebayo (alias Mokas), called on the commissioner of Police to ensure there was peace in the town.

    Police spokesman Adekunle Ajisebutu described the incident as a minor accident between a tipper driver and a commercial motorcycle operator, whose motorcycle was crushed by the tipper driver.

    “As a result, there were skirmishes but the matter was later resolved amicably on Monday. There was no death,” he said.

     

  • New events centre opens in Ibadan

    New events centre opens in Ibadan

    Event planners in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have welcomed a new event centre into the city.

    The new event centre, Bashmol, which is tucked in Abayomi Estate on Old Ife Road, came with state-of-the-art facilities for users.

    With different sizes of halls and conference rooms accompanied with large parking spaces and security, Bashmol Event Centre adds to the beauty and economic life of the serene area with loads of incentives to all users.

    Aside providing a 250 KVA power generating set, the centre has its own 200 KVA transformer to strengthen and plug shortfall in public electricity.

    The Business Development Manager of the centre, Mr Olayiwola Suara, said the centre would meet the needs of those seeking decent, convenient and modern venue for their social, religious events and offer dial events in Ibadan.

    “We are just excellent in all key areas,” Suara said.

    He assured event planners and celebrators that maintenance and quality of service would be sustained.

    The event centre opened for business on July 26.